I’m a dad-of-six on UC struggling to pay for my kids’ Christmas gifts… I’m forced to go without heating to survive
A DAD-of-six on Universal Credit says he is struggling to pay for his kids’ Christmas gifts as the cost-of-living bites.
Earning just £90 a week with part-time work, Graham can barely afford to keep a roof over his head – let alone piles of presents under the tree.
The shop worker, 37, has a 10-year-old son with learning difficulties that he needs to be home for, and five other children aged between four and 16 to care for.
He’s been living on a shoestring budget since splitting with his partner of 16 years and heating his home is a constant worry.
Graham, from Brentwood, Essex, said: “Gas and electricity have doubled in price.
“The last few days, I’ve been turning the heating down when everyone else is probably turning theirs up.
“I’ve applied for an Essential Living Fund to help with gas and electricity bills, but I can’t pay my water – it’s overdue, and I just don’t have the money.”
Despite his financial issues, Graham feels the same pressure as many other families in the festive period.
He says: “I’ll make sure there’s food on the table and do what I can to make the kids happy, but it’s hard not to feel the pressure at Christmas.
“I had to start saving for Christmas in February just to give the kids presents.
“But it gets harder each year and as they get older.
“You see those telly ads saying they’re offering great deals, knocking ten pounds off, but for me, a good deal is half the price. You do feel the pressure.”
The dad receives a Carer’s Allowance and Disability Allowance for his son with learning difficulties.
He also receives Universal Credit- but it’s still a daily struggle.
But despite his financial problems, Graham remains focused on providing for his children.
Living in a three-bedroom home provided by his local Housing Association, he balances his job with caring for his son and managing the needs of his other children.
He said: “When my ex left, nothing could have been worse than that.
“Then my dad died at the start of this year. I’ve had everything thrown at me, but my priority is my kids.
“I’ll make sure they’re provided for because I’m a great budgeter and I’m not afraid to ask for help.”
For Graham, the cost of food has also been a challenge. “Everything’s gone up, so I always have to think ahead,” he says.
“I’ll shop around. Iceland has good deals, and sometimes I’ll go to Food Banks or elsewhere for discounts.
Though Graham is resourceful, there are still things he can’t afford.
He added: “I don’t smoke, drink, or have a car, that’s a luxury to me, so I take the bus to work.
“I’ve got three kids sharing one room, and two of our bed frames are worn. They’re always asking for better beds but I just can’t afford new ones.”
Sadly, Graham’s situation is mirrored by a growing number of struggling families across the UK.
Barnardo's reveal shocking stats
A survey of more than 700 Barnardo’s frontline workers has highlighted fears over how this Christmas could be even harder than last year’s for families struggling in poverty.
Two-thirds of Barnardo’s frontline workers fear struggling families will be worse off this Christmas
More than four in 10 workers are supporting children who don’t have enough food to eat because their families can’t afford it
Nearly seven in 10 (67%) think the families they support will be in a worse financial position this Christmas compared to last Christmas.
More than four in 10 (43%) workers are supporting children and young people who do not have sufficient food to eat because their families can’t afford it. Nearly a third (31%) are supporting children and young people who are not able to stay warm because they cannot afford adequate heating.
Nearly one in five (19%) are supporting families with harmful levels of mould in their homes.
The findings indicate that the cost-of-living crisis continues to take its toll on children. Nearly half (45%) of Barnardo’s frontline workers also said that the impact of the rising costs of food, energy, clothing and essential household items was harming children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Another 31% believe it is harming overall development.
Barnardo’s has stepped in to help, providing essentials like mattresses.
Graham added: “They’ve been a lifesaver.
“So have the other charities, friends and people who’ve helped us along the way.
“My message to others is: Never be too scared to ask for help.
“The more help you get, the less pressure on you.”
On the day the DWP festive benefits bonus of £10 was announced, The Sun can reveal that nearly 70 per cent of Barnardo’s frontline workers believe the families they support are in a worse financial position this Christmas than last December.
An exclusive report from the charity also reveals nearly a third of Barnardo’s workers say they are supporting children unable to stay warm because their families can’t afford adequate heating.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.